What is FRC?

Two men sitting in an arena setting with a crowd in the background; one man giving a thumbs-up gesture. Both are wearing casual denim shirts.

Left: Woodie Flowers, Right: Dean Kamen

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, and MIT professor emeritus Woodie Flowers. FIRST® is committed to providing students with exciting and engaging experiences that challenge them to solve real-world problems through hands-on learning.

FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) is a high school-level program that challenges team to design, build, and program robots. The season kicks off on the first Saturday every January, when teams around the world watch the reveal of the new game challenge. Over the next six weeks, teams focus on designing, fabricating, and programming their robots. The second half of the season is dedicated to competing at regional events, where teams earn the chance to qualify for the prestigious FIRST Championship (World Championship). FRC offers a unique, full-season experience, with over 4,000 teams from 28 countries participating.

Two people assembling Lego structures during a robotics competition

FIRST Programs

FIRST® provides a range of programs that cater to different age groups:

  • FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) – For students ages 9-14, FLL encourages young innovators to explore STEM concepts using LEGO® robots to solve real-world challenges.

  • FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) – For students ages 12-18, FTC allows teams to design, build, and program robots to compete in an exciting and fast-paced environment.

  • FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) – For high school students, FRC is the ultimate challenge, where teams design and build robots to compete in a global competition that spans an entire season.

Why FIRST®?

Excited students run out to the competition field at the FIRST Championship, showcasing the energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm of STEM education and robotics competitions.

Participating in FIRST® isn’t just about building robots—it's about building a future. Through FIRST®, students learn invaluable skills such as:

  • Collaboration and teamwork – Students work together to achieve common goals.

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking – They tackle complex challenges in creative ways.

  • Leadership and mentorship – Students take on leadership roles and mentor younger participants.

  • Communication skills – They learn how to present their ideas effectively to a variety of audiences.

FIRST® equips students with both technical skills and life skills, providing them with the tools to succeed in the ever-evolving world.

Learn More About FIRST®

To learn more about FIRST® and how it is changing the lives of students around the world, visit the official FIRST® website.